CAR parts and bike chain Halfords today revealed a fresh rise in sales as the trend for Britons to holiday in the UK boosted demand for camping equipment.

Like-for-like sales in the three months to October 2 rose 2.2% after the firm’s car maintenance and cycling departments also enjoyed strong trading.

Shares jumped 8% as Halfords said it expected profits of between £59 million and £61 million in the six months to October 2, above City forecasts of £55 million. It posted profits of £49.1 million for the same period last year.

Chief executive David Wild said the successful summer season increased confidence in prospects for the company’s full-year performance.